Author's Note: Welcome back everyone!

So I massively broke my "I'm gonna aim for about 9K words per chapter for this story" stipulation lol, but whatever - I'm not gonna sacrifice quality for some arbitrary word count. This chapter took a little time to rein in properly. I feel like I started to lose the thread of focus a few times so I took a lot of care in editing to make sure I brought it back to something more tightly written and well thought out. I hope that comes across well to you too.

As a note for this site specifically, I try to respond personally to every review I get but I, of course, can't reply to the anonymous reviews. I want to take a moment to thank all of you, anonymous or not, who leave reviews on this story! I really appreciate it and even if I can't reply to you directly I see your comments and am very thankful that you've taken the time to read my story and write a review of it! Thank you so much!

So for now, I hope you enjoy the newest chapter! Thanks for reading!


Book I - Meeting

Chapter 4 – Bonding

For the next two days after Link had given her his gifts, Zelda caught herself staring at those new outfits time and time again. Each night before bed she would gaze inside the wardrobe and try to decide which she should wear the next morning. And during that subsequent morning, she would question whether she should actually commit to the clothing she had settled on the night prior after all.

Surely, Link would want to see all of them, right? He had been uncharacteristically excited to bring her to Lissa and show her the results of their efforts. Maybe she should wear each outfit in rotation? But while the temperatures around them were falling slowly, it still wasn't cold enough to consider wearing the frankly dazzling white coat and its matching pieces. Though she briefly toiled over doing it anyway, she was starting to get a better read on Link's personality.

There was no world in which he would ask her to be uncomfortable for any purpose. She was so unfamiliar with someone taking the time to think about her feelings that she hadn't been able to accept it for the longest time, but after learning the lengths Link had gone to in order to make her feel comfortable and welcome in his home, she was slowly beginning to trust that his kindness was entirely selfless and genuine.

Though she had only met two people in Hateno Village, they adored him and looked to him with respect. And that so many others she had yet to meet would go so far to help him with his requests to make her comfortable spoke to their characters. Despite all the doubts her mind had been poisoned with, it was far more likely that Hilda had simply been trying to make Zelda miserable even though she was leaving the Castle.

Sometimes Zelda wondered why Hilda had spent the extra effort to convince their father to ship her off to Hateno Village in the first place. It was surprising that Hilda, who adored tormenting her sister more than almost anything else in the world, had willingly schemed to send her away. Zelda had spent many nights lying in bed pondering what might have compelled her to do such a thing. The only answer she could come up with was that even Hilda had finally grown tired of her company.

In a strange way, it made sense. For as long as she could remember, Zelda had heard nothing but criticism and judgment from her sister. She was told on a daily basis how woefully inadequate she was, how undesirable her company was, how unsightly her physical appearance was, how sickening her voice was. After believing such things for more than a decade, perhaps Hilda had finally realized she, too, was repulsed by Zelda's presence.

If she could pawn her sister off on a man she hated, a man she believed would treat Zelda coldly and callously, a man who would cause misery and suffering in her stead, Hilda would likely be more than pleased. She wouldn't have to stomach Zelda's presence any longer and Link would fill her role as the cause of her sister's anguish and suffering. But…

"Zelda, breakfast is ready."

That wasn't who Link was at all.

Glancing in the mirror once more and, content with the choice of her new sapphire sweater for the day, Zelda took a quick, steadying breath and left her room, her eyes falling on her new fiancé. Today he was wearing a forest green sweater of his own as he stood before the cooking pot.

Link always made breakfast for them. He never seemed to dislike the process of cooking, so much so that Zelda still hadn't gathered the courage to ask if he would be offended were she to make him lunch or dinner following his tasks for the day. In fact, this particular hobby seemed to be his favorite, more so than any task her undertook for the sake of the small community.

"Good morning," Link greeted her, showing her a gentle smile. Even after the two weeks she'd been here, it was still hard to believe that such a beautiful person looked at her with so much kindness and warmth.

"Good morning, Link," she managed. Though her uncertainty when speaking hadn't vanished completely, Zelda was slowly beginning to find her words with more confidence when speaking to him.

"I made us vegetable omelets; I hope that's okay. I was thinking about some kind of soup since it's a little chilly this morning but I wasn't sure it would be filling enough for you."

'He always takes such care to make sure I'm satisfied with his cooking. Perhaps I haven't expressed my gratitude enough. It might also be possible that…he thinks I'm unhappy with it? Have I expressed how truly remarkable I find his talents yet…? I…cannot remember…'

"T-that sounds wonderful," she assured him.

Link gathered their omelets on a pair of plates before setting them at their usual places. Link always sat with his back to the cooking area and Zelda across from him. She wasn't sure if that was just the place he preferred most or if he just took it because it was near to his workstation, but she had no problem with the arrangement…not that she ever would have voiced her disapproval if she did.

Unsurprisingly, like every other morning since she'd arrived, it only took one bite to again prove to her that Link was an incredible chef.

"L-Link," she began, earning his curious eyes. "Your cooking is…truly a delight."

His eyes widened in surprise; perhaps she hadn't expressed her opinions on his cooking after all, despite the number of times she'd thought it.

"Really?" Link managed at last, his eyebrows still raised. She nodded quickly.

"R-really. In fact…every meal you've so kindly prepared for me has easily been made to the same level the chefs at the Castle are capable of, if not even higher." Link gave her a smile, his shoulders lowering as if he were relieved.

"I'm so glad you think so. To be honest, I've been afraid you were disappointed in my cooking but didn't feel like you could be honest with me about it." Zelda gasped and shook her head.

"That…that's not true at all," she promised him. "Each and every meal has been…an absolute joy to eat. Thank you."

"You're welcome. It makes me happy to know that, Zelda. Thank you for telling me."

"O-oh…it was…no trouble…"

He still said things occasionally that threw her off badly enough that she retreated into her frequent pausing and stammering. Thanking her was one of the things he did that affected her more easily than anything else.

"On the topic of telling me things," Link continued, cutting another bite of his omelet free, "how are you adjusting to being here? Do you feel comfortable in the house? Do you like Hateno?"

"I, um…I find this place far more comfortable than I had been led to believe it would be. Your home is…warm and welcoming. The villagers seem like lovely people…I feel guilty to have doubted any of you the way I did…"

"It wasn't your fault," Link reassured her. "You had no way of knowing what this place would be like; all you could go off of was your sister's words. I'm glad you feel like this place is pleasant, though."

"I do."

"And how about your things? Is there anything you want or need? Things I might not have even thought about?" Zelda shook her head quickly.

"N-not at all…everything is…fine."

"Are you sure?"

"I…yes. I would never wish to be a bother to you, not after all you've done to…make me feel welcome." Link gave her a smile. It was quite possibly the warmest smile she'd ever seen.

"You're not a bother, Zelda. And if there's anything you need or just something you'd like, please let me know. It's not always as easy to find certain things out here as it is in Castle Town, but we have more lying around this place than you might think."

"Um…w-well…I…"

"Go ahead, tell me what's on your mind." Zelda took a deep breath and finally spoke, her voice trembling and soft.

"I…keep a diary…I've been doing so for such a long time that it spans many volumes. But…um…the one I'm currently writing in is…nearly filled…"

"I'm sure we can find a nice book of stationary for you to use," Link assured her.

"I, um, honestly…just some simple pages will suffice…"

"All your other volumes are bound, right?" Link asked her before chewing one of the last bites of his omelet.

All she could manage was a timid nod.

"Then let's find you something that will match the rest of your collection. Besides, we can't have your diary entries getting damaged by leaving them out in the open, can we?"

Zelda was so stunned by his thoughtfulness that her mouth fell open slightly.

"T-thank…you…"

Link seemed to be considering his options for a few moments before his eyes widened again.

"I have an idea. Ira at the general store is quite the arts and crafts afficionado. She doesn't usually sell any of that stuff since hardly anyone in town is interested, but I bet she'd be happy to help you out. Hmm, maybe I could even ask her to bind a book for you herself if she doesn't have what we need…"

Link murmured that last sentence more to himself than to Zelda, but she was already finding herself overwhelmed by his kindness yet again. That he would go so far to get her what she desired even when it wasn't necessary spoke volumes about the kind of wonderful man he was.

'I…wish I could get him something in return…something to show him how grateful I am for his kindness…'

A few minutes later, both had finished with breakfast and Zelda again offered to handle the dishes while Link changed into his hunting gear; he wanted to stop by a few places in the village before departing for his late-morning expedition. As she moved towards the counter with their plates, though, a knock sounded against the door. It was the first time since she'd arrived in Hateno that anyone had come to visit.

"Zelda, would you mind answering that?" Link called from his closed bedroom.

"O-of course," she managed, setting the plates down and hurrying towards the door. She reached out and twisted the handle, opening the entryway wide.

Before her stood someone as familiar to her as they were a mystery. She was a Zora – that much was clear at a glance. From the curved fin that sat atop her head to her red and white skin, eye catching in its own right, it couldn't have been more obvious that she wasn't Hylian. Across her shoulder, she wore a blue wrap, the garb of a Champion, accented by the intricate silver headdress that adorned like a crown. This was Mipha, the Zora Champion, pilot of Vah Ruta and Princess of the Zora people.

"You must be Zelda-sama. It's such an honor to make your acquaintance at last," she spoke, bowing her head politely. Her voice was soft and gentle, almost as if it were made of the very water she held dominion over.

"Uh, um…it's…nice to meet you too…M-Mipha-sama," Zelda managed, bowing her head in turn. She had been entirely unprepared to meet one of the honorable Champions, certainly not on Link's doorstep.

As Mipha rose to her full height again, Zelda acknowledged she was about a head shorter than herself. Despite this fact, however, the Zora woman carried herself with a dignity and grace that made her seem giant. Her confidence was incredible to behold. Zelda was already beginning to think herself unworthy of even sharing words with such a magnificent hero…

"Please, you don't have to address that way," Mipha assured her. "You are one of Hyrule's Princesses; I should be the one honor you, wouldn't you say?"

"O-oh, um…I…um…"

"She doesn't want you to do that either, Mipha," came Link's voice from somewhere behind her.

Glancing over her shoulder, she saw that Link had reentered the room, dressed now in his green tunic. When she had asked why he always chose to wear the same armor when he went hunting, he simply said it allowed him to blend in better with the foliage. Though she had seen him in all sorts of colors at this point, she felt like green and blue were the ones that looked best on him. Of course, she hadn't ever said such presumptuous words aloud.

"Is that so?" Mipha asked, her smile growing. "Then would it be alright with you if I just called you by name? I'd prefer if you did the same for me too." Zelda, still reeling, finally managed to respond.

"O-of…course. I don't mind."

"Wonderful! In that case, it's such a pleasure to meet you, Zelda."

"Y-you too…Mipha…"

"Link, are you hunting today?" He nodded from nearby.

"Yeah, sorry; I didn't know you were stopping by." She gave him a relaxed smile.

"I didn't send word ahead, it's okay. Besides, this will give me a chance to get to know Zelda while you're gone." Zelda was a little confused by something the Zora Princess had said, though.

"Um…I…I'm sorry, but…do you come here often, Mipha?" She gave a bright smile before nodding.

"I do! Link has been my best friend since he was very young! Of course, I was basically the same age; I just looked a little older because I'm a Zora. But the two of us have been nearly inseparable for a long time now."

"O-oh. I see. I…had no idea; I apologize if my question was rude."

"Oh no, not at all! I can see how randomly meeting me here on Link's doorstep would catch you by surprise if he hasn't mentioned me yet."

Zelda just nodded, still trying to come to terms with everything happening before her eyes.

"Though that does beg the question," Mipha began, shooting a grin at Link, "why didn't she know I might show up here?" Link just laughed lightly.

"It just never came up with everything going on since she arrived. There's been a lot to take care of to make sure she's comfortable so my mind was on other things. I wasn't keeping you a huge secret or anything, don't worry." Mipha giggled.

"Oh I know, I'm just teasing you. What time will you be back today?"

"Later in the afternoon, as the sun starts to get a bit lower on the horizon."

"Perfect. That will give Zelda and I plenty of time to chat!" She paused before turning back towards Zelda herself. "If, of course, I'm not just forcing my company on you. I wouldn't want to assume anything." Zelda shook her head quickly.

"N-not at all. It would be…an honor to spend time…with you." Mipha lit up, her dazzling smile reflecting the light around her.

"Oh, how wonderful! Perhaps we can all three have dinner together once Link is back as well." Link nodded again.

"Sure, that sounds nice. I should probably head out now. Oh, but Zelda? Do you mind if I borrow Mipha for a moment before I go?" She shook her head.

"Not…not at all. I'll finish up with our breakfast things while you talk," she offered, turning to give them some space.

"Thank you, Zelda. I'll see you tonight when I get back."

"B-be…safe while you're out."

As she approached the kitchen counter again, she heard the doorway close behind her and glanced over her shoulder. Link had disappeared with Mipha outside. It wasn't that surprising that Link wanted to say goodbye to his childhood friend without a stranger's prying eyes keeping tabs on him. He was a very private person, especially if these last two weeks were any indication. But…

'I wonder…if Father's arranged marriage proposal stepped on some sort of romantic desire between the two of them. Mipha seemed so cordial and pleasant towards me but…what if she secretly hates me for swooping in and stealing the person she loves? If they've known each other for decades, why wouldn't she feel romantically towards him? He is truly a wonderful person. And the only reason he plans to marry me is because his King all but forced him into it. Have I come between them in a way I never intended…?'

As Zelda began to clean her dish from breakfast, she found that her body simply went through the motions without her so much as being aware of what was happening; her mind was far too distracted for anything more.


"Be gentle with her, okay?" Link cautioned his friend.

He and Mipha had started to wander slowly towards the heart of Hateno Village, crossing the bridge again. They had caught up very briefly about the things going on in Zora's Domain, though nothing of significant note had happened since Link's last visit. The real reason he had pulled Mipha outside with him was to prepare her to interact with Zelda.

"Was I being too aggressive earlier?" Mipha asked, her eyes concerned. Link gave her a small smile before shaking his head.

"No, you were as calm with her as you are with everyone. But Zelda is…in a bit of a complicated situation, I think."

"What do you mean?"

"I don't really have proof of what I'm about to tell you, so please don't say anything to her about this." Mipha nodded firmly, meeting his gaze.

"You know I would never repeat anything you tell me in confidence. You have my word."

"Thanks, Mipha. I think…Zelda might've been in a pretty horrible situation at the Castle."

Mipha's eyes grew somber and she just waited for Link to continue.

"She really doesn't think very highly of herself at all. If any little thing goes wrong, she blames herself and apologizes immediately. It's like she's afraid something bad will happen to her if she doesn't." Mipha slowly came to a stop, lowering her voice.

"You don't suppose…Hilda-sama had something to do with this, do you?" Link scowled.

"I wouldn't be surprised. She filled Zelda's head with lies that I would abuse her if she didn't act like my servant." Mipha gasped.

"What? How could she say something so cruel about you?"

"You've heard some of the things she's said in the past; it's not that surprising, really."

"I always thought she knew what she was saying was ridiculous, though. Why would she tell her sister something so horrible? The poor thing must have been terrified the entire time she was preparing to come here and meet you…"

Mipha had been visiting the day Hilda's letter from the Castle had arrived, detailing the arranged marriage between he and Zelda. While both of them were surprised by the revelation that there was a Second Princess of Hyrule to begin with, she also found it strange that they planned to send that Princess to Hateno Village, not to mention the quick timetable with which it would occur. But, of course, she had immediately helped him start coming up with things Zelda might need upon her arrival.

"I haven't been able to get Zelda to open up to me about what happened to her at the Castle just yet," Link admitted, frowning. "I know Hilda hates me so it's not that shocking that she would disparage me to her sister. But I just can't imagine anyone else being at fault for Zelda's disposition other than her."

"So she apologizes for anything and everything?" Mipha asked, glancing back towards the house.

"Yeah. It certainly feels like she's been expected to do that for a long time, but sometimes…it feels like it goes a lot deeper than just words or expectations."

"What do you mean?"

"The first morning she was here, she groveled on the ground at my feet," Link murmured, grimacing as he always did when he recalled that particular memory. "She was begging my forgiveness…because she didn't wake up before me. I guess she thought I expected her to be up early to take care of me or something. She told me…I could yell at her or hit her if I wanted to but to please not throw her out…"

Mipha's eyes were wide and deeply concerned. She was a naturally empathetic person and no doubt felt as strongly as Link did about the situation. Normally he wouldn't have volunteered that kind of personal information to someone else. But then, Mipha wasn't just someone else. She was Link's best friend, someone who had been by his side almost his whole life. And now she was someone he was going to entrust his skittish new fiancé to for the afternoon. She should know how severe Zelda's mental scars were, even if he didn't yet know their origins.

"That poor girl…" Mipha murmured, chewing her lip.

"I know. I've done my best to show her she doesn't have to be that way with me and I think it's starting to work. Things really took a change for the better the other day when I gave her a present. But I just didn't want you to be caught by surprise if she's a little skittish or apologetic." Mipha had latched onto something, though.

"What present did you give her?"

"I gave her a bunch of new outfits I asked Lissa to prepare for me. I figured it might help her feel more relaxed and at home here in Hateno." He didn't mention that it was also because Zelda only had the one dress prior to that; even Mipha didn't need to know that part.

"That's so sweet!" she sang, her eyes sparkling. "Wow, it's rare for you to warm up to someone so quickly. She must really have made an impression on you." Link averted his eyes.

"T-that's not it. I just wanted her to be comfortable. She deserves to have a better life here than she's had at the Castle."

"Mhm, but that's not the whole story, is it? I've known you forever, Link, and I've never seen you so invested in the well-being of another after such a short time."

"…what are you talking about?"

"Well, if you were to ask me who I believe you would go to the ends of the earth for, my answer would be your family, myself, and, more recently, the people of this village. But it took a long time for you to warm up to Glenne and Ira and Lissa and the others. Even just a year ago you weren't nearly as open with them as you are now. So it's just a little surprisingly that Zelda is someone you're so deeply concerned with after just two weeks."

"I guess…you have a point."

"I'm not saying it's a bad thing!" she insisted quickly. "I'm just saying she must really be special."

"I…think she is, yes. I'd like for her to be happy while she's here with me."

"Then you have no problem with the arranged marriage after all?" Link hesitated before sighing. There was no way he could ever hide the truth from her.

"…no, I suppose I don't." Mipha's gentle smile widened.

"As your oldest friend, I cannot tell you how happy that makes me, Link. I was worried this arrangement would leave you miserable and trapped after you'd tried so hard to find peace of your own."

"I can't say the thought hadn't crossed my mind either, not that you don't already know that."

"Perhaps the Goddess herself is looking out for the both of you by bringing you together."

"Hm?"

"Your presence has clearly been good for Zelda based on the things you've said. And I think her presence will prove to be good for you as well, Link." He considered her for a long moment.

"Maybe you're right. But I guess we'll have to wait and see if she warms up to the idea of this marriage too. Right now, it seems like she just agreed to it because it's what was expected of her."

"Give her time; I'm sure she'll see the same blessing in being with you as I see for her already."

"…thanks, Mipha."

"Of course. Now, I shouldn't keep you from your duties any longer. Besides, I'll still be here when you're back later." Link nodded and gave her a smile.

"I'll look forward to it. Have fun with Zelda."

"I will! And don't worry, I'll take care of your fiancé for you while you're gone."

Link felt his face burn a bit as Mipha teased him but decided to just let her have her fun. There was no point in protesting too loudly after all; that would just reaffirm what she already knew…

"Thanks again. See you soon, Mipha."

As the Zora Princess waved goodbye to him and headed back towards the house, Link turned and approached the heart of the village. Even though he knew Mipha would be very gentle and sweet to Zelda, he still found himself worrying about her. Would she respond okay to Mipha's company? Would she be overwhelmed or worried? Link found himself wishing he didn't have anything to do today so he could make sure their meeting went well.

But Mipha was as close as possible to the perfect person Zelda could hope to meet if she had to interact with someone while he was out. They would be perfectly fine…but he'd probably hurry back home just a little faster…just in case.

Because ultimately…he was well aware that Mipha was right about him and his feelings…


Zelda jumped as the door opened once more, the graceful Mipha showing her a calm smile as she entered Link's home again. For how long Link had been talking to Mipha, Zelda had long since managed to finish her after-breakfast tasks and now sat waiting on the couch.

"I apologize for the delay, Zelda," Mipha began, easing the door shut behind her. "I was simply catching Link up on some of the happenings in the Domain. He hasn't had a chance to visit in a while but when last he did, we were devising ways to strengthen our ties with the other races. He was invaluable in his insight, given how he fought alongside all of us Champions during the Calamity."

"O-oh, of course. You…don't need to apologize at all, Mipha," she murmured. The Zora Princess lowered herself onto the cushion beside her.

"If I may ask, Zelda, are you finding Hateno to your liking?"

"Um, I…like this place, yes."

"That's wonderful to hear. I'm certain this whole arrangement came as quite a shock to you as well, no?"

"I, uh…I…was quite surprised, yes…"

For the slow, steady progress Zelda had made in conversing with Link, none of it mattered when faced with her new conversation partner. She didn't know how to approach Mipha. She was a mystery, someone who might even look down upon or resent her. She more than had the right to…

"I can imagine," Mipha continued, her voice gentle and warm. "The timetable laid out in the letter from the Castle was so short both Link and I were caught completely off guard. To tell you the truth, I was a little angry about the way things played out at first."

'Of course you were…why wouldn't you be? My father stole away the person you love and tied him to me…someone who pales in comparison to you in every single way. Why wouldn't you be angry? The man you belong with is stuck with such a miserable fiancé now…'

"Zelda?"

She tore herself from her stupor as Mipha called her name, her eyes concerned. Zelda felt her throat constrict and averted her gaze. There was no reason someone so kind should look at her that way. She didn't deserve her consideration. Not after…

"I'm…I'm so sorry…Mipha." The Zora's eyes widened.

"W-why are you sorry, Zelda?"

"For…making you angry…"

"I…I'm afraid I don't understand."

"Father…put me between you and Link. Of course…you were angry…"

"He put you…'between' us?"

"You…and Link…he ruined your relationship by way of…me." Mipha suddenly relaxed, her mouth growing into a large, almost amused smile.

"Oh, Zelda, is that what you're worried about? I assure you there's no cause for concern!"

"…huh?"

"Link and I have never been interested in each other romantically. He's my best friend in the world and I'd love to stay by his side in that role for the rest of our lives, but neither of us harbor secret feelings of love for the other. I'm sorry if I misspoke and caused you to think so."

"B-but…you were angry…" Mipha shook her head, her smile settling into that same calm, reassuring one she had worn before.

"I was never angry with you, Zelda. I was simply upset at first that it seemed like Link's life was being decided for him again. I want him to be happy; that was the source of my anger when he received that letter."

"T-then…you…aren't angry…anymore?" Mipha shook her head easily.

"I'm not. To be honest with you, I don't know that I've ever seen Link quite so…invested in someone. Don't tell him I told you, though." Zelda was more confused than anything else now.

"Invested? As in…if he keeps me around he…may someday get something out of this arrangement himself?" Mipha gazed at her with sad eyes.

"Zelda, I'm sorry; that's not what I meant to imply at all."

"N-no, it…wasn't your fault. It was mine for misunderstanding your words. Please…forgive me."

Mipha made a similar face to the ones Link had made during their first night together. She was clearly realizing just how unfit to be Link's fiancé she really was. Perhaps Link had started to accept her inadequacies, but his best friend would be just as difficult to impress if not more so. So far, all she had managed to do was cause miscommunications one after another with the Zora Princess. Someone who couldn't even hold a simple conversation couldn't hope to make Link happy the way Mipha wanted him to be…

"Zelda, may I ask you a question?"

"O-of…course…"

"How well do you know Link at this point? You've been here for something close to two weeks, right?"

"I…have. Um…I t-think I…don't know him very well at all…" she admitted, casting her eyes downward.

"That makes perfect sense," Mipha reassured her. "It takes time to really get to know someone, especially someone as naturally withdrawn as Link. But, and forgive me for being so bold, I suspect you have a better sense of his character than you give yourself credit."

"I…have managed to…notice a few things about him, at least…"

"Would you be comfortable sharing those thoughts with me?" Zelda paused for a long moment before taking a steadying breath.

"Link is…kind. I've never known anyone kinder. He…he selflessly does for others what most people would n-never think to do."

"I think so too," Mipha assured her with a soft smile. "Then, may I ask, do you really think someone like that would look at you as if you were a means to an end? That he would only be kind to you if he got something out of it in return?"

"…n-no. And it was terrible of me to insult him like that…" Mipha's eyes widened again.

"Oh, no, I'm not reprimanding you, Zelda! I just wanted you to know that Link is a far better man than you've no doubt been told."

"I…have come to truly believe that. His gift to me the other day was…the kindest thing that's ever been done for me. B-but…what did you mean by 'invested,' then?" Mipha giggled lightly.

"You'll come to understand in time, I think. But he, too, mentioned his gift to you. Was that sweater you're wearing among them?" Zelda felt herself beginning to relax at last. With the focus being on such a happy occasion, she found her heart lighter than it had been so far, even if only somewhat.

"I-it is. He went to such…great lengths for me. I…wonder if…"

"Hmm?" Mipha gazed at her with an insistent and excited eye. Zelda finally managed to force the rest of her thought out, averting her eyes again.

"I wonder if…there might be a gift I could present to Link…to repay his kindness." Mipha's soft smile stretched into an excited grin.

"Though he certainly doesn't expect you to repay his gift, I think that's a wonderful idea!" Zelda blinked several times before meeting her gaze again.

"Y-you…do?"

"Of course!"

"You don't think…I would be inconveniencing him…?"

"Not in any way. In fact, I think he would deeply appreciate the gesture. Is there anything you're already thinking about giving him?"

Zelda paused for several moments. Was there something she could get him that might be comparable to what he did for her? No, probably not. But that didn't mean he wouldn't enjoy a smaller gift in turn. But what could she get for him…?

"I'm…not sure exactly what to do. But…I think I'd like to make something for him…by hand. Even something simple if he would enjoy it."

"I think that's perfect. You have a better understanding of Link than you think you do – he isn't very concerned with vanity items. Something that has meaning and value will always be more important to him.

"For example, once when he and I were much younger and playing around outside the Domain, we used a pebble to guide the direction of our treasure hunting game. He marked it with a small scratch and would skip it across the water. I would dive in after it and, after I found it, whatever direction that mark pointed in was the direction we would continue. I know for a fact that, even if we had miraculously uncovered some sunken treasure that day, that pebble would still mean more to Link than all those riches ever could."

"I very much believe that," Zelda murmured, her mind conjuring images of Link running around as a carefree child.

"That's how I'm certain a handmade gift from you would be invaluable to him."

"…something from me…would be that important to him?"

"You underestimate yourself, Zelda."

"…I…do?"

"You'll understand that with time, as well. For now, what kind of item do you think you'd like to make for him?"

Zelda paused for a moment. One thing did come to mind, something he used every day. Something of his that was so old it stood out to her at a glance.

"…a hair tie…" Mipha's smile widened.

"You certainly came up with that quickly!"

"W-was it too presumptuous? I'm terribly sorry for assuming things about what he would prefer, especially when you know him so much better…I should be seeking your advice on the matter…" Zelda bowed her head again, missing Mipha's stunned look.

"N-no, no, I wasn't upset, Zelda. I assure you I was excited by how fitting your choice was! That's an excellent idea."

"R…really?"

"Really. For that to be the first thing you thought of, you must already have seen the sorry state the one he wears is in. It used to be a bright blue color, you know. He's all but worn the very sheen off of it and yet still refuses to replace it."

"P-perhaps there is…some special significance to that one…?" Mipha shook her head and grinned.

"No, he's just stubborn about it. Why replace something when it still works just fine? But if you were the one to offer him a replacement…" she let the thought trail off, her insistent smile unwavering.

"He would…appreciate it…?"

"I very much think he would. More so than any other hair tie he could ever come across." Zelda felt a hesitant smile begin to tug at her cheeks.

"T-then…you think it would be an acceptable gift to prepare for him?"

"Zelda, I think it would be a perfect gift for him."

The smile that had struggled to emerge finally succeeded, spreading across Zelda's lips as she gazed upon the Zora Champion in wonder. Mipha was such a good person…just like Link in her kindness yet so different in her directness. It was…incredible to have someone loudly support her like this. Nobody but Mother had ever done that.

"Um, s-since we're on the subject of t-things Link might appreciate…" Zelda began, twisting her hands together nervously.

Mipha just smiled and nodded, waiting for her to gather her thoughts.

"I've…been thinking that it might be nice…for Link to come back from his duties to…a homecooked meal. B-but the first night I was here, he said he preferred to cook alone…so I'm unsure if doing something like that would…offend or insult him…and I've been too afraid to ask."

Mipha reached out and took Zelda's hands in her own. She gasped and felt herself start to panic a bit. Why was she reaching out so suddenly? Was something wrong? Had she misspoken so badly that Mipha needed to pull her back down to reality?

"Zelda, you have nothing to worry about in that regard, I promise you. Link would be overjoyed if you cooked for him." Zelda's mind ground to a screeching halt.

"…really?"

"Absolutely. I'm so confident in my answer that I'd bet my very life on it."

"T-then…I suppose it might be…okay if I were to first ask his permission…"

"Or you could simply make it another surprise," Mipha suggested, her smile somehow even brighter than it had been all morning.

"O-oh, I could…never presume to use Link's cooking tools without his blessing. It's his…favorite hobby and he takes such care with his instruments…" Mipha squeezed her hands a bit firmer, still refusing to let go.

"And knowing that, there's no way you ever let harm come to them. Tell me, please – if you're considering cooking for him, then you're at least familiar with the process, right?"

Zelda simply nodded, becoming overwhelmed by Mipha's excitement.

"Then there's no cause for concern at all. I promise you Link will be beside himself with joy if he comes home and finds a meal you prepared for him waiting, especially if he didn't expect it."

"Um…I…would certainly be careful with his equipment…"

"I know you would. And besides," Mipha continued, grinning now, "don't you want to see the kind of face he'll make if you surprise him with such a sweet gesture?" Zelda averted her gaze, trying not to let her interest in the thought be too obvious.

"I…must admit I'm curious…"

"As am I. I promise his face alone will be worth the effort."

"You…know him very well," Zelda murmured. It wasn't a question.

"I do. But that's to be expected after being best friends for more than fifteen years. Give yourself some time to get to know him; I guarantee you won't feel too far behind for long."

"T-thank you…Mipha."

The Zora Princess nodded, releasing her hands and rising to her feet.

"Now, if you're going to make a hair tie by hand for your fiancé, then you'll need material, right? How about we pay a visit to Lissa? She's sure to have invaluable insight into the process." Zelda stood as well, forcing herself to meet Mipha's gaze.

"I-I think that's…a wonderful idea. Thank you for…offering to come with me. I haven't spent much time in the village yet…"

"I'm happy to accompany you any time, I promise. We could even go meet some of the other villagers while we're out if you're feeling up for it?" she proposed. Zelda shook her head though.

"Um…I hope it isn't rude to say but…I would prefer my first time seeing the rest of Hateno…to be with Link…" Mipha gave her yet another warm smile, her eyes positively shining.

"Then I would never dream of taking that opportunity from the two of you. We'll go to Lissa's then come straight back home."

"Thank you…"

"You're very welcome. Shall we set out? Link will still be gone for some time so we won't have to rush at all if we go now." Zelda smiled and nodded again.

"…I would…love to."

"Then let's go see what Lissa can tell us about making this gift of yours."


Link made his way back home later in the afternoon than he'd meant to. Hunting had been slow again today – his mind kept wandering to the thought of Zelda and Mipha together, distracting him from the task at hand. It seemed that every time he went out into the forests alone, he was constantly thinking of Zelda.

He had no way to find the words to express his thoughts exactly, but he found her at the forefront of his mind quite often these days. Her long golden hair was as hypnotic as it was unique, to say nothing of her elegant features.

Her hands, however, had taken him by surprise initially. They weren't the dainty hands of a pampered Princess; they were the strengthened hands of a worker. Though they didn't appear nearly as rough as his own after years of fighting and foraging, it was a clear indication that she hadn't lived the most luxurious life in the Castle.

Was that because of Hilda as well? Link found it hard to believe that even the savior of the Kingdom would be able to order her father, the King, around, so if something were done to Zelda that effectively made her into a servant at the Castle, wouldn't he have needed to be complicit in the matter? And no matter what had led to that situation, it was clear that Zelda had many demons of her own to unpack and come to terms with. The trauma she had clearly suffered ran deeper than he'd initially thought; that much had become apparent over the last two weeks. Had the King himself sanctioned such cruelty towards his own daughter…?

As Link arrived at his doorstep at last, he took a deep breath. The cool fall breeze was starting to give way to the biting chill of winter, something that was fast approaching as the final month of the year set upon them. The fresh air the changing of these particular seasons brought with it was a gift he always took time to enjoy each year. It also made hunting more bearable – he didn't have to hide in bushes sweating the entire time.

As he opened the door, however, he was immediately greeted by Mipha's small frame pushing him outside again, seizing the door handle and drawing it closed gently behind her. Her eyes were darkened by a mixture of sadness and frustration. He wasn't used to seeing such emotions from Mipha.

"What's wrong? Is Zelda okay?" Link asked immediately.

"She cries in her sleep…"

"What?" Mipha chewed her lip and tightened her hand into a fist.

"Zelda…she and I went out to visit Lissa earlier and when we came back I offered to pick up lunch from Ira and Melo. By the time I returned, she had fallen asleep on the couch and I felt too guilty to wake her – after what you told me earlier, I suspect meeting me and talking for so long likely wore the poor girl out.

"But…she started crying in her sleep just minutes ago. I was torn on whether or not I should wake her…is it worse to let her suffer her nightmares or shock her back to reality? Did you know she…cries in her sleep, Link?"

"No…I didn't know that…"

"I wish I could do more for her…"

"I do, too…" Mipha locked her eyes with his.

"There is something you can do, Link. You may not be able to take her nightmares away, but I guarantee you I'm not the person she wants to see when she wakes up from experiencing something that makes her cry like that." Link took a steadying breath and nodded.

"I'll try to ease her awake and calm her down."

"Please do. I'll wait out here so I'm not in the way."

"Are you sure? You don't have to-"

"She doesn't need me, Link."

"…I know. Mipha?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you." She smiled at last, though her eyes were still stormy.

"Of course. Now, go. I don't want her to suffer alone any longer…"

Without another word, Link gently opened the front door again.


Hilda had returned in a particularly foul mood that evening. With hers and Zelda's sixteenth birthday fast approaching, that meant that she essentially had one year left to prepare herself to face the Calamity. Though her Sealing magic was incredibly strong, her teamwork left a lot to be desired, something that seemed to be at the forefront of her mind today as Zelda entered her tower, carrying dinner on a tray in her hands. Her sister had demanded she take her meal in her room that evening, refusing to deal with anyone else personally.

"Finally. What took you so long!?" she demanded, huffing as she sat down in the purple chair that faced the low table at the center of the arrangement.

"I apologize, Onee-sama. The chefs had to make your request from scratch since it wasn't on todays' menu-"

"I don't need your excuses. Just shut up and give me my dinner; I've had enough talking today."

Though Zelda flinched at her sister's harsh words, she also understood it was a defense mechanism. Clearly, Hilda had been on the receiving end of some harsh criticism. The only reason she ever got this way was when their father or the Champions themselves tried to correct her somehow. Her usual topic of anger was the mysterious swordsman Link, though occasionally she would have rather rude things to say about Urbosa and Revali as well.

Though Zelda knew she deserved each and every drop of her sister's ire, she couldn't help but feel saddened by the way she was treated. And yet, as she sat the tray down on the table and stepped away deliberately, for just a moment she forgot all the unhappiness she had suffered by her sister's hands. Right now, she saw echoes of her beloved twin, the one who had clung to her for dear life and cried so hard she had soaked Zelda's nightgown through after their mother had passed away. Tonight, she was being her usual, aggressive self, yes, but it seemed like she was closer to tears than she had been in a very long time.

'Maybe…I can help her.'

"Onee-sama?"

"What?" she shot back, glowering up at her as she tore a bite of the meat before her free with her teeth.

Zelda flinched again but held her ground.

"W-would it be…helpful to talk about whatever happened today?" Hilda stopped dead and stared her in the eyes.

"Talking to you would never be helpful even if you were the last person in this rotten Kingdom."

Zelda felt her heart ache and the familiar sensation of shame flood her body. Of course Hilda didn't want to talk to her. Why would she? Zelda was inferior to her sister in every way…but she didn't like seeing her twin hurting by herself. Even if she hated Zelda now, Hilda was important to her. If she could just break through the walls she had built up around her heart…

"Then…perhaps talking at me…might help."

"What?"

"I can…just listen."

"Why do you even care?"

"You're…my sister. It would be impossible…not to care about you." Hilda scoffed and rolled her eyes.

"Spare me this sentimental garbage. If you want to help, you can start by making all of those stuck-up Champions listen to me. They think they're so amazing just because they can pilot those big, stupid beasts from the past. Without me, everything we're doing is a waste! And yet nobody accepts that! Instead, they all tell me I'm being stubborn and unreasonable at every turn!"

Zelda didn't know what to say. The truth was…her sister was very likely the one at fault. If all the Champions were united in their thinking and she was the outlier, then there was a good chance she really was just being stubborn and unreasonable. But that wouldn't help her to hear right now.

"What? Nothing to say? Should've known I was wasting my damn breath," Hilda spat.

Her tone was even more vicious than usual. There was a time it would have reduced Zelda to tears; sadly, she was used to hearing such a hateful tone from her sister.

"P-perhaps…" Zelda began, testing the waters. Hilda didn't look up, just angrily took another bite of her food. "Perhaps there is some merit…to meeting in the middle."

"Excuse me?" Her eyes narrowed and snapped up to Zelda. She quickly tried to make her point.

"I-I mean, perhaps if the six of you can find a compromise…then you can all be happier. You and the Champions will be the ones to save this Kingdom after all…" Hilda threw herself back in her chair and sighed heavily.

"I wish that wasn't the case. I'm so sick of this place! Since I was born, it's always been 'Hilda, you're destined to save the Kingdom. Hilda, your magic will seal the darkness. Hilda, the fate of Hyrule rests on your shoulders.' Yeah, well what would happen if I just disappeared? Just left Hyrule one morning and never returned? What would happen to Father's precious Kingdom then!?"

"Do…do you really…not wish to protect our home?"

"Hah! You're one to talk! You can't even protect yourself, much less this miserable place. You, just like everyone else in this Kingdom long abandoned by the Goddess, must rely on me. Just like Father. It might serve him well to remember who holds the fate of this place in her hands."

'So, Father did criticize her again. That explains why she's angrier than usual.'

"If there exists any justice in this world, perhaps Ganon will simply run over us Champions and destroy this wretched place! It would serve everyone right! Oh, it's so easy to place the fate of the world on my shoulders because I have magical powers! How would each and every one of you like to feel even a fraction of that pressure yourselves!? Maybe if I refused to help until every person in this Kingdom was forced to draw a sword against the Calamity, they'd start to appreciate just what I've been sparing them from all these years!"

Zelda wasn't sure what to say. Likely, there was nothing she could do to help the situation at all. Listening was all she could really do. Perhaps that was enough for now…

Hilda leaned forward, lifting the mug that contained her tea and drinking from it. She had demanded it be iced to refresh her after her long day of training. With summer on the horizon, it made perfect sense. But evidently, Hilda had changed her mind. She forced down the sip she'd taken before glowering up at Zelda again.

"Zelda. Tell me. Why is me tea ice cold!?" Zelda trembled a bit. She hadn't been on the receiving end of her sister's anger at this intensity in some time.

"Y-you asked for…ice in your tea since you were…hot from your training earlier-"

"So it's my fault!? Another person who doesn't appreciate that I'm right!"

"O-Onee-sama, that's not-"

Hilda rose to her feet and slung the mug at Zelda. The tea splashed against her face and arms, soaking her clothing and matting her hair to her forehead. She was so stunned by the display, she couldn't respond. She couldn't even follow her usual actions of bowing and apologizing to assuage her sister's rabid anger. She just stood in absolute disbelief.

'She must be…hurting so badly right now…'

"Stop looking at me like that!" Hilda roared, stabbing the cut of meat with her fork and storming across the room away from Zelda. "How dare you look at me like you feel bad for me! You!? That must be a joke, right? You're far more pathetic than I am!"

"Onee…sama…"

"Just leave. I don't want to see you again tonight. Leave me alone and don't come back in here."

Zelda felt her heart ache badly for her sister.

"…I'm…so sorry, Onee-sama…that the world has put you under such pressure…"

Zelda turned and approached the door but stopped as she heard thunderous footsteps approaching her. She felt her sister's grip seize her shoulder and spin her, pushing her against the wall. It wasn't a hard shove but Zelda could tell the girl was angrier than she'd ever seen her. Hilda leaned in close, her red eyes burning with hate and her lip drawn up into a snarl.

"Don't. You. Ever. Pity. Me."

Zelda was too terrified to even utter a single word. Her hands trembled and her teeth were nearly chattering. She had never seen her sister like this. Hilda was completely lost in the throes of rage.

"If you weren't so incredibly useless, you could be shouldering this burden with me instead of watching as I bear it all. If you had ever once in your life been good enough, maybe I could be happy. But here we stand – you, the worthless failure and me, the savior under duress. So don't you ever pity me, do you understand me? It's your fault I'm in this situation alone anyway. You don't get to feel pity for me."

"…I-I…I'm t-terribly sorry…Onee-sama…"

Zelda felt her eyes stinging so badly she could barely keep them open. She couldn't cry in front of her sister. She had learned long ago that showing that level of weakness in front of her would only make her life more miserable. Hilda had every right to hate her. Every right to berate her. Every right to vent her anger on her. But she couldn't cry…

It didn't matter this time, though. Tears spilled down Zelda's cheeks before she realized it. Hilda's eyes narrowed just slightly though the hateful look on her face didn't change. Zelda tried to get herself back under control but she just couldn't manage it anymore.

Hilda spoke again, her voice so low it was barely above a whisper. The vitriol in her words was unmistakable, though.

"Look at you – crying like the useless, incompetent failure you've always been. Mother would be so tremendously disappointed in the person you've become, Zelda."

Zelda managed to hold back the wail of heartbreak that threatened to escape her throat, instead stifling it to a strangled squeak. Her tears fell with more vigor, streaming hotly down her cheeks, mixing with the tea that still dripped from her hair.

"Make yourself useful for once and send someone to clean the mess you've made of my floor."

"…y-yes…Onee-sama…" she managed through her tightly constricted throat.

"Now, get out, filth."

Hilda stepped away at last and turned her back on her sister, storming across the tower once more. Zelda hurried through the door and ran down the hallway without bothering to watch where she was going; she wouldn't have been able to see clearly anyway. Her eyes were still overflowing with tears and she bit back the desire to scream and cry out in anguish.

'Hilda…hates me so much. It's my fault…I should have been there for her. But…Mother would never think such cruel things of me…right? She would never think of me as a disappointment…even if I am one. Even I deserve her disapproval as well…'

"Zelda."

By the time she made it back to her quarters in the servants' wing, Zelda collapsed at the foot of her bed and sobbed hard into her pillow.

'Mother wouldn't think such awful things about me…would she…?'

"Zelda?"

'I'm a failure…I know I'm a failure…but that doesn't mean Mother wouldn't still love me…right?"

"Zelda!"

She snapped back to reality at once, her eyes snapping open and her breath catching in her chest, almost causing her to choke. Link was gazing down at her with concerned eyes. Where was she? What was happening?

Reality rushed back to her at once. She had gone to see Lissa with Mipha earlier that afternoon. The tailor had loved the idea of Zelda making a hair tie for Link but needed to first order the appropriate fabric and asked that she wait a few weeks for it to be delivered. Then, they had returned home and Zelda had fallen asleep on the couch waiting for Mipha to return, thoroughly exhausted from her meetings and conversations that day.

"L-Link…" she murmured.

Her voice sounded shaky. Was she crying? She moved to reach up and feel her cheeks but quickly realized her left hand refused to move. As she glanced towards it, she found Link was holding it in his own grip, resolute and firm. She felt her heart skip a beat. For what might've been the first time in all her life, it wasn't from fear.

"Sorry," Link murmured, withdrawing.

She wanted to reach out and take his hand again but that was far too forward. Link wasn't content to let her be entirely alone, though, instead rising from his kneeling position on the ground beside her and siting next to her on the couch. He reached out and carefully brushed a few tears from her cheeks.

'I have been crying…'

"Did you have a nightmare, Zelda?" he asked her softly, meeting her eyes. His own were swimming with concern.

All she could do was nod.

"Have you had nightmares like that before? The kind that make you…cry?" His voice was barely above a whisper.

She nodded again, her heart rate finally starting to slow as she clung to his voice.

"I…I'm so sorry."

"…it's not your fault…"

"I know," he admitted, grimacing. "I just wish I could take them away for you. I…don't like seeing you cry, Zelda."

She couldn't find words to respond with. She wasn't sure if it was the overwhelming feeling of despair her nightmare had inspired in her…or the overwhelming sensation of being cared for that Link was showering upon her that caused her mind and body to freeze.

"Are you okay?" he whispered.

"I…um…I think so…" she murmured in return.

"Are you sure?"

"…no."

"Do you want to talk about it?" She hesitated for a long moment.

"I saw a really bad memory from…when I was younger."

Link frowned. She had spent enough time with him that she knew he wasn't upset with her. He looked…conflicted, as if he wanted to ask more. He was probably curious what had reduced her to tears even in her sleep. She didn't really want to tell him. She didn't deserve to complain about her past. But at the same time…a tiny, selfish part of her silently begged the Goddess to let him ask her directly what had happened. To give her an excuse to reveal some of her real past to him.

Link, ever the kind gentleman he was, though, didn't pry. It was likely he was worried about overwhelming her by asking her to relive it. Instead, he reached out and placed a hand on her head, just like he had the other day.

"I'm sorry you had to relive something like that, Zelda. Hey, um…I don't know that this is much comfort but…as long as you're here, you're safe, okay? No matter what your life used to be like, no matter what you've been forced to live through and survive, I promise I'll be here for you…"

'Link is…being hesitant. This is very different from the way he usually speaks. But he's…averting his eyes too. Is he…embarrassed? Why would he be embarrassed? He's just being the kind, selfless person he always is. This isn't the first time he's treated me softly like this, so why is this time different…?

'But more importantly…why say that? 'No matter what you've been forced to live through and survive?' Nothing that was done to me in the past was undeserved. I earned every bit of ridicule and scorn I received. And yet when he says things like that…it almost makes me feel like…it wasn't…my…fault…'

"T-thank…you," she managed at last.

"You're welcome. Let's just relax together for a little while, okay?" he suggested, withdrawing his hand and settling into the cushion beside her.

"S-sure. Um, where did…Mipha go?" Link gave her a small smile.

"Oh, she just went into town to pick up something she ordered from Ira she forgot to get earlier. She'll be back soon."

"G-good…I feel bad that I fell asleep when she was so excited…to spend time with me."

"You shouldn't; she was very happy about the time she'd spent with you. She told me as much when I came home."

"She's a very kind person, Mipha."

"Yes, she is. And she always has been. Did you feel overwhelmed at all today?"

"O…only a little. But it wasn't her fault. I'm just not that great…at meeting new people."

"There's something we can bond over," Link joked, laughing lightly. To her surprise, Zelda felt herself follow suit, though the sound that left her was much smaller and more timid than his.

"You seem…so confident when you speak though," she offered. Link smiled over towards her.

"I fake it really well."

"…that's very impressive. C-can you…teach me someday?" Another warm laugh washed over her ears.

"I'd be happy to."

As they continued chatting about aimless things, Zelda felt her heart and mind calming down again. It wasn't like all the other nightmares she'd had; this time, she wasn't getting worse after she woke up. The bad memories were fading away so quickly, as if a light were being cast upon the shadows that darkened her mind. That had never happened to her before. The reason was obvious though, the difference clear as day.

She had never woken up from a nightmare to Link's comfort before. And clearly he made all the difference.


The rest of the night went off without a hitch. Mipha returned to the house, Zelda apologized a bit too profusely for falling asleep on her, and Link amusedly watched the entire display. Zelda had already started to accept Mipha's friendship even after such a short time together, something that made him happy. Mipha was very kind and easily endeared herself to most people. He was glad that his best friend was getting closer to Zelda already.

The three shared dinner after that, Link and Mipha sharing stories with Zelda about some of their more irresponsible childhood adventures. To his delight, she laughed more that night than she had since arriving on his doorstep two weeks ago. She had an adorable laugh…a thought that Link had to keep dismissing from his head to remain present in the conversation.

At long last, after dinner was finished, Mipha decided she should head home. Though the sun was low on the horizon, with her incredible swimming speed she would easily be able to traverse the ocean waters and return inland before night really fell, not that there was any danger if she didn't. With her ability to manipulate the water around her, nothing in its right mind would ever confront her in her natural element. Though she boasted a gentle disposition, Mipha was a warrior of nearly incomparable caliber.

"Zelda," Mipha began, taking her hands, "it was such a joy to spend the day with you. Thank you for humoring me and being excellent company." Zelda shook her head.

"N-not at all. I was honored…to spend the day with you as well, Mipha. Thank you…for being patient with me."

"You take all the time you need to feel comfortable with me. Besides, I'll be back regularly so we'll get to spend plenty of time together." To Link's delight, Zelda managed a genuine smile.

"I'll…look forward to it, Mipha. Take care…on your way home."

"I will, I promise."

"I'll walk Mipha out," Link said, to which Zelda nodded. "I'll…be right back," he assured her as an afterthought, something that made her avert her eyes, though her smile didn't fade.

Exiting through the front door, the sun extremely low on the horizon, Link closed it behind him. He had wanted to talk with Mipha alone once more before she left to ask her opinion on something. He wasn't very familiar with things of this nature and even if she wasn't either, her ability to understand and interact with people was far greater than his own.

"Thank you for entrusting Zelda to me today, Link. I'm sorry I couldn't help her when her nightmares started. I suppose I should simply have awakened her but…I was scared I wouldn't know how to help her if she woke up in a panic. I don't understand her nearly to the level you do."

"I don't think I understand her that well, either. But…I'll admit I'm starting to get there, slowly but surely." Mipha gave him a smile.

"Don't feel like you have to rush things. Like you said earlier, Zelda's heart is delicate; she'll let you in more and more over time. I must admit, though, I was a bit taken aback by just how muchshe really does apologize and blame herself for things that aren't her fault." Link just nodded.

"I know. I wish I could help more…"

"Link. Do you know the secret to mending a wounded heart?"

"Is this a riddle like you used to ask me when we were kids?" Mipha giggled.

"Not at all, though I did used to quite enjoy those, didn't I? No, this time I'm asking quite seriously." Link considered her for several long moments.

"I…guess I don't, no."

"Love."

"W-what? Mipha, t-that's an awfully strong word to use, don't you think?" he sputtered, averting his eyes as his cheeks began to burn.

"Oh, I'm not saying you have to fall in love so soon. I'm just trying to impress upon you that loving acts will help ease the pain in her heart. It may not fix everything, certainly not right away, but there's a reason she was able to smile and laugh at dinner despite the fact that she saw such a terrible nightmare earlier that she was brought to tears in her sleep. And that reason is you, my dear friend."

"Hmm…I see your point. Do you…think there's anything special I should be doing?"

"I think you're already doing wonderfully. Although, you should take her out into the village sometime, just the two of you."

"I've been meaning to introduce her to everyone. I just didn't want to overwhelm her."

"She'll be fine as long as you're there. But I don't mean you should take her out to meet people. You should take her on a date."

"A d…date?" he stammered. Mipha just smiled at him.

"She's waiting for you to do exactly that, you know." Link felt his cheeks grow hotter.

"O-oh…she…is? She…said that to you? Wow…"

"Well, not in so many words," Mipha admitted at last, folding her hands behind her head and gazing towards the skyline. "Let's just call it intuition, shall we? Though I was pretty much convinced when she turned down my offer to take her into town."

"That would've been okay," Link assured her. Mipha shook her head before leaning in a bit closer.

"Not to her; she wanted you to be the one to take her into the village for the first time."

Link suddenly found his mind overwhelmed with images of her beautiful face laughing over dinner…when had he decided her face was beautiful…?

"T-then…maybe I'll see if she's up for it…sometime…"

"Do it before I visit again," Mipha insisted, her smile bright. Link took a deep breath and found his center again before giving his friend a resigned smile.

"You really are invested in this, aren't you?"

"Of course I am; I want my best friend to be happy. And Zelda deserves happiness too. So I'm rooting for you, Link."

"Yeah. Thanks, Mipha."

"Of course. I should probably get home, though, before it gets too late. I wouldn't want to make Father and Sidon worry. Tell Zelda goodbye for me once more, okay?" He nodded.

"I will."

Mipha stepped closer and hugged him goodbye. Link embraced her and, after a few moments, the two stepped away, the Zora gazing back over his shoulder at the house.

"Do you remember when I said the Goddess might have blessed the two of you by bringing you together?"

"Yeah."

"I've upgraded my opinion – the Goddess is most certainly looking out for the two of you." Link couldn't help but laugh.

"I hope I can live up to her expectations then."

"Oh, it's just as much for you as it is for Zelda, I think."

Finally, Mipha waved her last goodbye and began heading towards Hateno Bay over the hill to the east of town. It was the same place she always left and arrived from. Watching until she disappeared down the hill, Link took a deep breath and focused his mind once more.

'So…Zelda wants me to take her into town, huh? I can…probably do that. Do I have to call it a date when I invite her though? That might make both of us a little uncomfortable…or a lot. Maybe I should just suggest the outing to her after all. And maybe I'll do it tomorrow. Or the next day…but I'll do it before the end of the week. I owe her that.'

Link made his way back inside at last, his mind sorting through all the new information he had to process. But he was also well aware of a simple fact as he opened the door to his home again, one that he hadn't truly expected to feel when he'd first received the letter from the Castle – he was very much looking forward to spending the evening with his fiancé…his very beautiful fiancé.

8/22/2023


Post-Chapter Note: Welcome back everyone and thanks for reading!

Of course Mipha's here! How could she not be? That said, I had a few goals to establish quickly with her. One, she's absolutely not a love interest in any way and this is not a love triangle story by any stretch of the imagination. Tried that before. Let's not repeat that disaster again, huh? LOL! It was also just never a consideration for this particular story anyway. Two, though, was that she's the kind of "social expert" for Link, someone who can help him understand his thoughts better than even he can sometimes. Especially with our main couple facing such unique circumstances in their individual lives, she's a pretty invaluable person to have on their side. Plus she's their loudest cheerleader and matchmaker as of now and I hope you enjoy seeing her in that role!

Like I said last time, especially the early chapters of this story are all serving as pretty heavy character and world building pieces. If I'm doing my part properly, none of that should feel like a chore to read so I sincerely hope I am. As I said up top, too, this chapter had a tendency to become unfocused for me. I took a lot of time editing and proofing this one and I think I managed to keep it on track in the end, so hopefully you feel that way too now that you've read it all.

And of course, poor Zelda had another nightmare, but at least Link was there to comfort her in his own (albeit still fairly awkward) way this time. It's a nice plot device to keep Hilda relevant in the story without having to shoehorn scenes in with her at Hyrule Castle or doing whatever else it is she does in her free time. I'm gonna be honest, though, I think her saying "Don't. You. Ever. Pity. Me." and the *way* she said it is the most vicious line I've ever written in anything, ever. I almost couldn't bring myself to include it for how upset it made me at her on sweet Zelda's behalf. But boy does it get the reaction I want, even from myself! Plus, even that memory doesn't stack up to the first nightmare for Zelda. Luckily, Link knows this happens to her now so...we'll see!

Fun little teaser time - next chapter is gonna be pretty adorable! You've certainly picked up on my little hints this chapter but our lovely couple is going on a date next time. You'll just have to wait and see how awkward it is lol but it'll be coming this week/weekend for sure! This is one of the landmark events of Book I I've been excited to write for a little while now and I hope you'll all enjoy it!

Anyway, that's more than enough out of me for now. Thank you all so much for coming back and sticking with the story! Take care and I'll see you in the next one!